ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF USING CONCRETE, STEEL AND

WOOD IN FARM BUILDING

Advantages of Using Concrete in Farm Building

Some advantages of using concrete in farm building are;

i. Concrete possesses a high compressive strength and is not subjected to corrosive

and weathering effects. It is resistant to wind, water, rodents, and insects. It is not

as likely to rot, corrode, or decay as other building materials. Hence, concrete is

often used for storm shelters. The use of materials such as brick and stone can

increase the thermal mass of a building, giving increased comfort in the heat of

summer and the cold of winter, and can be ideal for passive solar applications.

ii. Concrete can even be sprayed in and filled into fine cracks for repairs by Gunting

process. The concrete can be pumped and hence it can be laid in difficult

positions also.

iii. In reinforced cement concrete, concrete and steel form a very good combination

because the co-efficients of expansion of concrete and steel are nearly equal.

iv. Where strength is not a main requirement, but fire-resistance, insulation and light

weight are major considerations, light weight concrete is advantageous.

v. Form work can be used a number of times for similar jobs which results in

economy. Concrete is economical in the long run as compared to other

engineering materials.
 vi. Frequent repairs are not needed for concrete structures and the concrete gains

strength with age.

vii. Concrete has long life and relatively low maintenance requirements increase its

economic benefits.

viii. Concrete has the ability to be molded or cast into almost any desired shape.

Building of the molds and casting can occur on the work-site which reduces cost.

ix. Concrete is a non-combustible material which makes it fire-safe and able to

withstand high temperatures.

Disadvantages of Using Concrete in Farm Building

Some disadvantages of using concrete in farm building are;

i. Concrete has a relatively low tensile strength compared to other building

materials. Concrete has low tensile strength and hence cracks easily. Therefore,

concrete is to be reinforced with mild steel bars, high tensile steel bars or mesh.

ii. Concrete expands and contracts with the changes in temperature. Hence

expansion joints are to be provided to avoid the formation of cracks due to

thermal movements.

iii. Fresh concrete shrinks on drying. It also expands and contracts with wetting and

drying. Provision of contraction joints is to be made to avoid the formation of

cracks due to drying shrinkage and moisture movements.

iv. Concrete is not entirely impervious to moisture and contains soluble salts which

may cause efflorescence. This requires special care at the joints.

 v. Concrete prepared by using ordinary Portland cement disintegrates by the action

of Alkalies, Sulphates, etc. Special type of cements are to be used under such

circumstances.

vi. Concrete is heavy in weight and requires large quantity of steel in the

construction as the self load is greater.

vii. Concrete has low strength-to-weight ratio,

viii. Concrete has low ductility.

Advantages of Using Steel in Farm Building

There are various advantages in using steel as a structural material both from the point of

view of architectural and engineering solutions. In this section, the advantages of

structural steel are specified by making comparisons with other structural materials,

especially with concrete, the most popular construction material in Nigeria.

a. Design Flexibility: Berktin (1994) explains that, steel is a material which is strong

both in tension, bending and compression. Steels great strength is the basis of its

uniqueness among the four basic materials. The form characteristics of linearity and

thinness exist because of this exceptional strength and render it preferable for tall

structures and large spans. According to Patterson (1990), this flexibility in design

makes remodeling easy even after the construction is completed. The use of steel makes

possible the creation of large, column free internal spaces. As stated by Berktin (1994),

these spaces can be divided by development of large window areas incorporated in

prefabricated cladding systems.

b. Lightness: Copeland, Glover, Hart, Hayott and Marshall (1983) states that, steel is an

efficient material for structural purposes because of its good strength-to-weight ratio

(light weight construction). If the detailing of cladding and finishes is also geared to

lightness, a steel farmed building is likely to be about 60 to 75% of the weight of a

comparable reinforced concrete building. They claim that, the taller the building the

more benefits offered by lightweight construction; including the size of foundations and

cost criteria.

c. Speed of Construction: As stated by Akbay (2006), steel frames are fast to erect. The

author explains that, this results from the use of factory-produced, interrelated structural

parts, pre-painted roof and wall panels, and other elements that can be selected in

advance of the project and quickly assembled on site. For example, the construction of

Safeco Baseball Stadium in Seattle finished in 27 months only (including the production

drawings which took 9 months). It is a baseball stadium with a capacity of 47,000 seats

and it can be closed with a roof when required. Additionally, specific measures were

taken against earthquake loads.

According to Hart (1992), the time taken to realize a steel building from concept to

completion (no matter which method of planning and construction is used) is generally

less than that for other alternatives, namely; concrete. This reduces time related building

costs, enables building to be used earlier and produces an earlier return on the capital

invested. In other words, although the initial cost of structural steel frame construction is

high, the reduced construction time can also mean large savings on the overall financing.
d. Economy: Morreau (1993) states that, most of the arguments in the past about the

relative advantages of steel and concrete buildings have concentrated on the relative

costs of them. Much has been written on this subject and the result is that much depends

on the greater speed of steel construction. The author also states that, a steel frame is

likely to be more expensive to buy and build than a concrete one. However, after

including the cost of the time taken to complete the building (the contractors overheads,

the interest on the money to finance the project) and the benefits of earlier completion,

either in earlier rental income or earlier use of new facilities, the economic advantage of

steel construction can be seen clearly. Akbay (2006) asserts that, the short construction

time and the advantages due to its lightweight mentioned above make steel framed

structures more economical. In addition to these qualities, as stated by Akbay (2006),

steel framed structures; are prefabricated, do not require a formwork or a catwalk, can be

constructed in every weather conditions, and can be controlled easily during the

construction process.

Ersoy and tptolu (1988) argue that, in steel buildings, different from other

construction materials, the material cost for structural steel members or plates often

exceeds the labor cost (lifting and setting costs). On the other hand the reason for the

choice of an economical structural system will not necessarily be to use the minimum

weight or length of structural steel. According to Akbay, (2006), calculation of weight

of the steel used per square meter causes incorrect evaluations for the reason that

production, assembly and the other costs are not taken into consideration.

e. Quality Control: As stated by Engineering News Record (1992), the elements of the

framework are generally computer-designed and are manufactured and fabricated under
the controlled conditions of a factory, establishing quality procedures. Many steel

building system manufacturers participate in a Quality Certification program developed

by the AISC. This recognizes manufacturers displaying the ability to design and produce

high quality metal building systems. The overall objective of the program is to ensure

that the metal building system meets stringent requirements for design, integrity and

fabrication quality. As a result, the end user can be more assured of getting a quality

product. Furthermore, Akbay (2006) asserts that, condition of the structural steel

members and joints that are not covered can be easily controlled at every phase of the

building, according to the regulations. This property is very important to prevent the

non-perceivable damages emerging after earthquakes, especially in the reinforced

concrete structures.

f. Modifications: According to Engineering News Record (1993), steel structures adapt

well to changing needs. In many cases, concrete buildings cannot support the load that

additional stories would impose, but in steel structures this problem can easily be solved,

by means of minor additions like a transfer trusses (bracing). Also, they are uniquely

suited to expansion. In many cases a steel structure can be enlarged simply by removing

the end wall, or walls erecting new framework and then adding matching wall and roof

covers. Often the original end walls can be reused. This flexibility greatly reduces the

time inconvenience typically associated with expansions or additions to existing

traditional construction.

g. Renovations: As mentioned by Engineering News Record (1993), steel is the

material chosen for restoration and renovation of existing buildings, both when

demolition is out of consideration or a change in function is required. The economy,

ease of erection, lightweight, rigidity and ductility of steel give new life to existing

buildings. It is possible with steel to renew a given building without removing the roof,

by just replacing the main load carrying structure at first and then replacing the rest of

the structure. Akbay (2006) explains that, also by a renovation program traced by the

existing buildings seismic resistance can be improved utilizing the properties of steel. It

is essential to modify a building that undertakes a new function (for this reason it can

require reduction in number of columns or additions such as an elevator or stairs) or that

was damaged in an earthquake and needs reinforcement. The author further explains

that, if this structure is a steel framed structure, the modification can be done in a short

time and economically, and if it is a reinforced concrete structure, it is hard to achieve

this without using steel members as well. Akbay (2006) also states that after the 1992

Erzincan Earthquake some experiments were made in the Middle East Technical

University (METU) and it is understood that the steel cross-bracings applied for the

reinforcement of the structures damaged in that earthquake are very effective and

economic. However, in the 1999 Glck and Dzce Earthquakes, authorities did not

regard these experiments and preferred to reinforce the damaged buildings with concrete

shear walls despite the fact that they are expensive, heavy and risky.

h. Recyclability: Undoubtedly, it is one of significant superiorities of steel structures

that they can be reused with very little loss after dismantling. Sometimes, they are used

in new structures after a little maintenance and sometimes (if they cannot be reused as

their existent shapes) they are melted and utilized for different purposes once more.

According to IISI (2006), recycled steel (scrap) is a required and essential component of

new steel, making steel a naturally environmentally responsible material. In basic

oxygen steelmaking, scrap represents up to 30 percent of the raw materials charged into

the furnace. It represents between 90 and 100 percent of the charge in electric arc

furnace (EAF) production. Steel is 100 percent recyclable: moreover, it can be used over

and over again with no downgrading to a lower quality product. On the other hand, as

stated by Akbay (2006), the reinforced concrete buildings have to be demolished if they

become uninhabitable due to different reasons such as earthquakes or damage.

i. Earthquake and Wind Resistance: According to Engineering News Record (1993),

steel is also the material of choice for harsh environments including limitations of

geography, high winds, hard soil and temperature movements and most importantly risks

of hurricanes, typhoons and earthquakes. With the design flexibility and fast

construction ensured by steel, steel structures become the first choice in hard conditions.

Also as the lateral resistance for wind and seismic loading is provided by combined steel

systems and various bracings, structural safety is well ensured. Bouwkamp (1990)

explains that, although present specifications stipulate earthquake resistant design

requirements for reinforced concrete, failures continue to occur mostly because of poor

design details (reinforcing steel layout), poor workmanship, and inadequate in-site

quality control and inspection. On the contrary, steel systems enhance earthquake

performance. Bouwkamp (1990) also asserts that, steel has not only been used

successfully in rigid jointed frames, but has also found efficient application in so called

concentrically braced frames. More recently, research starting in 1977 has resulted in the

development of eccentrically braced frames, combining the basic stiffness characteristic

of conventional braced frames with the ductility and energy dissipating capacity of

conventional moment resistant frames. According to Engineering News Record (1994),

steel performs well in earthquakes because of its high elastic limit (modulus of

elasticity), its great plastic deformation quality and the internal strengthening mechanism

of strain hardening. Because elastic behavior means a steel structure will return to its

original position after an earthquake, designers can predict its deflection during

moderate earthquakes. When earthquake are beyond moderation, when extreme

earthquake forces push a structure beyond its elastic limit, a steel structure can deform

plastically and dissipate the unanticipated energy imposed by the earthquake. It is

impossible to assume the time of an earthquake or to prevent it. On the other hand, we

can minimize the loss of life and money by constructing steel structures in seismic

regions.

j. Potential of High-rise Construction: Akbay (2006) asserts that, by using reinforced

concrete core or retaining walls, reinforced concrete multi-storey structures can be built.

However, because of the limitations in the number of storeys, the difficulties due to

producing the load bearing elements in site and the extension in the construction time,

reinforced concrete is not a preferable material for high-rise structures. The author

continues that, steel framed structures have a great potential in building high-rise

structures, which is why after the developments in the steel construction, number of

high-rise buildings and their heights increased rapidly. In some steel high-rise structures

reinforced concrete can be utilized as a core and this provides an increase in the number

of storey whereas it brings difficulty in the construction.

Disadvantages of Using Steel in Farm Building

While steel has several advantages as mentioned above, it has some disadvantages such

as the necessity of fire and corrosion protection. In this section fire and corrosion

problems of steel members are discussed and some measures are presented.

a. Strength Reduction in Fires: Akbay (2006) explains that, all structural materials are

affected by fire to some extent. Steel, also, loses its load bearing property after a definite

temperature and all of its mechanical properties at very high temperatures during a fire.

Experiments on structural steel show that steel will exhibit a loss of strength when

exposed to temperatures in the range of 1,100 F. In spite of this property, steel is utilized

in the construction sector as a structural material confidently, by fireproofing according

to the regulations. As mentioned by Patterson (1990), steels vulnerability to fire also

falls between that of wood and masonry. Although steel and masonry are not

combustible like wood, after a certain temperature they melt. According to Robinson

(1993), it is important that in building fires the structure should not weaken to the extent

that collapse occurs prematurely even as the occupants are seeking to make their way to

safety. For this reason it is necessary for designers to provide a degree of fire

resistance to the structures that they build. The author explains that, fire resistance is

expressed in the Building Regulations in units of time, h, 1 h, 1 h, 2 h and 4 h. It is

important to recognize that these times are not allowable escape times for building

occupants or even survival times for the structure. They are simply a convenient way of

grading different categories of buildings by fire load from those in which a fire is likely
to be relatively small (e.g. low-rise offices) to those in which a fire might result in a

major conflagration (e.g. a multi-storey library). With steel structural members there is

normally little problem in achieving the requirements of integrity and insulation but

most attention and cost is directed at satisfying the stability. In the reinforced concrete or

steel structures, the primary measures for fire safety are planned during the design

process. The fire protection methods are explained by Robinson (1993) as below. For

many years the principal method of achieving fire resistance in steel structures has been

to apply insulation materials. The fire protection is applied after the erection process and

acts as an insulating barrier between the steel and the fire to slow the heat transfer. The

first protective coatings were made from heavyweight materials such as concrete, brick

and plaster and these may still be the optimum solution in some situations (for instance

where there is a risk of impact damage). However, by the 1920s, various types of

asbestos-based sheet and spray coatings had become available. These were lighter and

cheaper than the traditional materials. Asbestos is no longer used for fire protection

because of health hazards, but other asbestos-free materials have been developed. These

materials gain their insulating properties from rock-fibre or exfoliated vermiculite and

they are available either as spray or boards.

Sprays are the cheapest method since application is fast and it is easy to coat complex

shapes or connections. However, they are applied wet, which can create problems in

winter conditions. Their appearance is often poor, so they are most often used in hidden

areas such as on beams above suspended ceilings or in plant rooms and basements.

Boards tend to be more expensive because they require higher labor content for fixing.

They are fixed by gluing, stapling or screwing, so there is less interference with other
trades on site, and the hollow box appearance is often more suitable for frame elements,

such as freestanding columns. A further advantage is that the casing work can

accommodate vertical services. Rock wool can be used to wrap structural sections to

provide effective insulation. This can be supported by clipping into place or within a

lightweight casing.

Intumescent coatings do insulation in a completely different way. The coating is applied

as a thin layer (perhaps as thin as 1 mm) but it contains a compound in its formulation

which releases a gas when heat is applied. The gas turns the coating into a thick

carbonaceous foam, which provides heat insulation to the steel members. The coatings

are available in different colors and can also be used for decorative and practical

reasons. Additionally, according to Robinson (1993), the fire resistance of tubular

members can be improved by making use of the hollow interior, either for cooling by

water filling, or for load transference by filling with concrete. However, this method is

expensive.

b. Strength Reduction by Corrosion: It is not clear how steel would hold up after

flooding. Flood water often contain corrosive contaminates, or salt, and could damage

the steel framing. No studies could be found that tested this situation

According to IISI (2006), many elements and materials react chemically with other

elements. When steel comes into contact with water and oxygen there is a chemical

reaction and the steel begins to change into iron oxide. In most modern steel applications

this problem is easily overcome by coating. Many different coating materials can be

applied to steel. As written in Principles of Modern Building (Vol.1, 1959):

The use of metals in building calls for special care in design, in choice of materials and

in protection, if serious corrosion problems are not, sooner or later, to arise. Not only is

the cost of corrosion alone extremely high, but what is perhaps even more serious is the

consequent trouble and expense resulting from it. Thus the steel frame of a building may

rust and in so doing crack the external cladding. If the reinforcement in concrete rusts,

the surface spills and disintegration becomes progressive.

Thomas (2003) asserts that, in certain circumstances, corrosion can get worse by

pollutants or other contaminants in the water. Such materials can include common salt

(sodium chloride) and many industrial chemicals. According to Thomas (2003), where

such materials are present special measures should be taken to protect exposed

steelwork. In the absence of such materials (such as steel members that are not subjected

to periodic wetting by rain or other sources of moisture) requires no corrosion

protection. If steel members need corrosion protection, the usual methods are paint

systems and galvanizing. In considering a protection system it is necessary to consider

the type of building or structure under consideration, its use, its life and the merits of

initial cost against maintenance costs.

Thomas (2003) also explains that paint systems vary between simple barrier systems that

provide a protective film over the steel separating it from oxygen and moisture, and

complex systems that include components that provide additional means of protection

should, for example, the paint system be damaged by small scratches or holes.

Landers (1983) states that steel sheets may be protected against rust and corrosion by a

galvanized aluminum and zinc coating. According to Thomas (2003), galvanizing

consists of coating the steel with zinc (in some cases with significant quantities of other

materials) to provide both barrier protection and cathodic (sacrificial) protection.

Sacrificial protection means that the coating preferentially corrodes leaving the

steelwork intact. The zinc coating is metallurgically bonded to the steel providing a

tough barrier. In addition, in most commonly occurring circumstances zinc is anodic to

steel and thus provides cathodic protection should damage or minor discontinuities occur

to the barrier. An important attribute of all barrier systems is adhesion to the surface of

the element to be protected. Thus careful preparation of the surface to be protected is

required. Thomas (2003) point outs that, all corrosion systems have a limited life and the

system used must be appropriate to the exposure and the lifetime required.

Moreover, as mentioned by Thomas (2003), weathering steels possess high enough

levels of corrosion resistance that they can be used in certain applications uncoated.

They are most commonly used in highway bridges, but are also used in buildings and

other structures. Although weathering grade steels are more expensive than equivalent

normal grades of steel, they can be cost-effective through the elimination of painting.

Successful use of weathering grade steels requires careful detailing of the structure.

Additionally, according to Patterson (1990), carbon steels falls between wood and

masonry in their ability to resist deterioration.

c. Low Energy Efficiency: Steel is less energy-efficient (steel being a good conductor

of heat). Because steel conducts heat well, condensation can form in the walls and cause

mildew and mold. Insulation on the outer surface of the walls can address this issue.
d. Unfamiliar Construction Methods: Because steel framing is new to the residential

building industry, many builders are not familiar with the construction methods.

Advantages of Using Wood in Farm Building

Some advantages of using wood in farm building are;

i. Thermal Properties: As we know, many, materials change in size and volume as the

temperature changes. They expand with increasing of the temperature. This means linear

and volumetric expansion. The expansion causes decrease in the strength of materials.

Steel, which is inorganic and non-combustible and therefore has an advantage against

fire, but when used in buildings, it expands and collapses as a result of increase in heat.

Wood does not practically expand against heat. On the contrary, by the effect of heat, it

dries out and gains strength. The only time wood expands a little is when the humidity

level is below 0%, and this is only scientifically significant. In practice, the humidity

level of wood does not drop under 5% even in the driest climate.

The coefficient of thermal conductivity of the wood is very low. Aluminium transmits

heat 7000 times, steal 1650 times, marble 90 times and glass 23 times faster than wood.

For this reason, wood is used for making matches, handles of hardware equipment,

ceilings and wall coverings.

Specific heat of wood is high. That means high amount of energy is needed to increase

and decrease the temperature of one-kilogram of wood. Wood requires almost twice
amount of heat energy than stones and concrete; similarly, three times of energy is

needed for heating or cooling steel.

ii. Acoustic Properties: Sound isolation is based on the mass of the surface. Wood, as a

light material, is not very perfect for sound isolation; but it is ideal for sound absorption.

Wood prevents echo and noise by absorbing sound. For this reason it is extensively used

in concert halls.

Sound velocity is faster in woods than gases and liquids, and it is close to that of metals.

Sound energy loss as a result of friction is also significantly low in woods due to its

lightness and structure. Because of such properties, wood is extensively used in musical

instruments.

iii. Electrical Properties: Resistance to electrical current of a completely dry wood is

equal to that of fhenol formaldehit. An oven dried wood is a very good electrical

insulator. To some extent air dried wood is the same. Unfortunately electrical resistance

of wood is lowered by increasing the moisture content. The resistance of wood saturated

with water. Static electricity that is dangerous for human health is not observed in wood

unlike metal, plastic and other materials. For this reason wood is preferred as a healthy

material.

iv. Mechanical Properties: Although wood is a light material, its strength is quite high.

For instance, while the tensile strength of wood with 0,6/cm3 specific gravity is 100

N/mm2, the tensile strength of steel with 7,89/cm3 specific gravity is 500 N/mm2.
Dividing tensile strengh by specific gravity gives the breaking length and quality of

material. This figure means the breaking length of the material, when hung as a result of

its own weight. While the breaking length of steel is used for construction is 5.4 km,

chrome mobile steel is 6.8 km, hardened bow steel is 17.5 km, breaking length of spruce

wood is 19.8 km, and laminated wood made of beech is 28.3 km. For this kind of

properties, wood and laminated wood is used in wide-gap constructions like health

centers and sport halls.

v. Aesthetic Properties: Wood is a decorative material when considered as an aesthetic

material. Each tree has its own color, design and smell the design of a tree does change

according to the way it is sliced. It is possible to find different wooden materials

according to color and design preference. It can be painted to darker colors of varnished,

and can be given bright or mat touches. The use of timber framing in buildings offers

various aesthetic and structural benefits, as the timber frame lends itself to open plan

designs and allows for complete enclosure in effective insulation for energy efficiency.

vi. Oxidation Properties: Although wood has oxidation characteristics in some way, it

is not the kind of oxidation seen in metals. Metals get rust, wood doesnt. For such

characteristics, use of wood is preferred to avoid rust when necessary.

vii. Working Properties: It is easy to repair and maintain wood. While old woods can

be renewed by special touches other materials are highly difficult and costly to maintain

and to repair. Therefore they are usually disposed of. Wood is renewable and is grown

and processed. Environmentalists indicate wood is a key to green housing. It is

biodegradable.
viii. Variation: There are more than 5000 kinds of woods in the world. Their specific

gravity, macroscopic and microscopic structures are different. Accordingly, their

physical, thermal, acoustic, electrical and mechanical properties are also different.

Because of this variety, it is possible to find wood suitable for needs. For instance, for

heat isolation and sound absorption woods in lightweight are used. Similarly, heavy ones

are used for construction purposes.

Disadvantages of Using Wood in Farm Building

Some disadvantages of using wood in farm building are;

i. Shrinkage and Swelling of Wood: Wood is a hygroscopic material. This means that

it will adsorb surrounding condensable vapors and loses moisture to air below the fiber

saturation point.

ii. Deterioration of Wood: The agents causing the deterioration and destruction of

wood fall into two categories: Biotic (biological) and abiotic (non-biological). Biotic

agents include decay and mold fungi, bacteria and insects and abiotic agents include sun,

wind, water, certain chemicals and fire. The possibility of infestation by insects such as

termites, cockroaches or powderpost beetles, or by other pest animals such as mice and

rats.

iii. Burning of wood: Wood burns more readily than some other materials, making

timber-frame buildings somewhat more susceptible to fire damage, although this idea is

not universally accepted: Since the cross-sectional dimensions of many structural

members exceed 15 cm 15 cm (6" 6"), timber-frame structures benefit from the

unique properties of large timbers, which char on the outside forming an insulated layer

that protects the rest of the beam from burning.

iv. Uniformity in Strength: Wood is less uniform in strength characteristics. It is a

natural product with knots and flaws.

v. Damage by Earthquake: Many older timber-frame buildings are more vulnerable to

damage during an earthquake.